Rethinking Modern Judaism: Ritual, Commandment, Community

by Arnold M. Eisen

Arnold Eisen here calls for a fundamental rethinking of the story of modern Judaism. More than simply a study of Jewish thought on customs and rituals, Rethinking Modern Judaism explores the central role that practice plays in Judaism's encounter with modernity.

"Fascinating . . . an insightful entrance point to understanding the evolution of the theologies of America's largest Jewish denominations."— Tikkun

"I know of no other treatment of these issues that matches Eisen's talents for synthesizing a wide variety of historical, philosophical, and social scientific sources, and bringing them to bear in a balanced and open-minded way on the delicate questions of why modern Jews relate as they do to the practices of Judaism."—Joseph Reimer, Boston Book Review

"At once an incisive survey of modern Jewish thought and an inquiry into how Jews actually live their religious lives, Mr. Eisen's book is an invaluable addition to the study of American Judaism."—Elliott Abrams, Washington Times

347 pages, Hardcover

First published August 15, 1998

Reviews

[Jess Carr · Rating 4 out of 5]

I cannot decide what I think of this book. At first I was absolutely enchanted by it, perhaps partly convinced due to the fact that I believed Martin Kavka and Matthias Lehmann loved it. I have later learned that their thoughts are probably as unsure as mine. I think that there is some "'there' there" in this case, but I can't nail it down. If nothing else, his analysis of nostalgia is a good conversation starter. And not the kind you use to meet men, but rather of the academic nature. 1885 CCAR platform, were you nostalgic? I can't decide. And whatever the answer is, what does that tell me? I really don't know. Perhaps that the Enlightenment was not so rational after all. Or that rationality is not so rational. Wormhole -- ripped.

[Greg · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well constructed analysis of Judaism's encounter and response to modernity. It is primarily anthropological in approach rather than merely dealing with the doctrinal aspects.